This project involved substantial alterations, upgrading and renovation of a large period property in the Kent countryside. The attractive original country house had been linked to several outbuildings of varying ages over the years; from a 17th century threshing barn through to a 1980s conservatory extension and pool house, all of which form and look out onto a central courtyard. A proposal was developed to carry out extensive works to unify these elements both spatially and materially. The conservatory extension which joined the original house and threshing barn was removed and replaced by a modern pavilion structure housing the kitchen which linked the main house and threshing barn and opened out onto the outdoor swimming pool and spectacular grounds beyond.
The threshing barn was sympathetically modernised with the large barn door openings glazed with minimal sliding glazing to emphasise the size of the openings and the volume of the space, creating a large ‘Great room’ style living space. Beyond this, the existing pool house space was completely refurbished to create a calm spa like feel, with a material palette consistent with the rest of the house creating a sense of coherence. As in the threshing barn, window openings were enlarged and cluttered fenestration removed to improve the connection to the courtyard.
Within the main house, modernisation was carried out where possible and original features retained and enhanced where appropriate, including thermal upgrading where possible. For example, after prolonged discussions with the council permission was obtained to upgrade the existing sash windows to slim double glazing.
We also worked in conjunction with the landscape designers to redesign the courtyard landscaping and provide a connection between all the different parts of the house. Furthermore, we specified all the furniture, fabrics, bathrooms and built in joinery while working together with the client’s chosen kitchen designer, as well as our recommended lighting and audio-visual providers. This ensured a consistency and functionality was achieved which was essential to this project’s success as a family home. For the first time, it successfully integrated a patchwork of buildings to become a cohesive whole.
/ Sevenoaks
/ Location
Kent UK
/ Year
2019
/ Size
800 sq.m
/ Contractor
City Heights London & Graham Welding
/ QS
Measur
/ Historian
AH Heritage
/ Landscape
del Buono Gazerwitz
/ Structures
Heyne Tillett Steel
/ MEP
Integration
/ Lighting
London Lightworks
/ AV
Grahams
/ Joinery
Philip Dowse Ltd
/ Kitchen
Plain English Design
/ Flooring
Dinesen
/ Glazing
Panoramah & Fabco Sanctury
/ Pools
Tanby Pools & Seasons Landscapes
Set within 40 acres of Kentish countryside, this bold, yet sensitive refurbishment and extension of a Grade II Listed farmhouse includes a striking contemporary extension clad in bronze metal which contrasts with the historical structures.
Connecting the existing house with the adjacent barn with a new highly glazed extension has unified the existing buildings while opening the house to the landscape beyond.
The threshing barn was sympathetically modernised. The large barn door openings glazed with minimal sliding windows to emphasise the size of the openings and the volume of the space, creating a ‘Great Room’ style living space in contrast to the more compact traditional spaces of the main house.
The existing pool house space was completely refurbished to create a calm spa like feel. A material palette consistent with the other parts of the house creates a coherent aesthetic through buildings of varying ages, functions and styles.
